Union workers banner hang

Occupy Banner Drop on Waldo Tunnel in support of Golden Gate Bridge Workers

Giant rainbow banner stating "Occupy! Bridge Workers are the 99% No Health/Retiree Cuts!"

This afternoon a giant OCCUPY! banner was hung over the Waldo Tunnel in support of the Golden Gate Labor Coalition workers who have been in a struggle to get a fair contract since April 2011. "Labor Coalition members are the 99% and we appreciate the support at a time when District management is trying to make healthcare unaffordable for workers with families and cut the healthcare benefits for our retirees," said Inlandboatman member Samantha Levens.

The Labor Coalition has been negotiating with the district since April to achieve a contract (Memorandum of Understanding) that is fair to the District and fair to the employees. Labor Coalition proposals include concession of over $2 million per year to help address the District's current budget deficit. Meanwhile Bridge District management has negotiated substantial increases in their own salaries, pensions and given a 2% raise to all the non-union employees at the District. The unions are particularly concerned by the Bridge Districts attempt to retroactively cut the medical benefits of their retired employees.

While bridge workers fight for a fair contract, the San Francisco Occupy encampment has come under attack, and is reconvening today after a late night raid by police. "Just as the Occupy movement will continue the fight for a fair economy, workers will not back down until we know our families will have affordable healthcare and our retired workers get what they were promised," said Sasha Wright of Occupy for Worker Justice.

For high resolution photos or video, contact Sasha Wright, Occupy for Worker Justice Email: occupyforworkerjustice [at] gmail.com

The Golden Gate Labor Coalition is made up of 20 unions representing workers at the Golden Gate Transportation District including iron workers, ferryboat deckhands, captains, mechanics, emergency responders, and engineers on the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Ferry and Golden Gate Transit (Bus). Occupy Worker Justice is a coalition of workers involved in the Occupy movement.